Dear Grazebrook Families

Today saw the start of KS2 SATs Week and we would like to take a moment to give a shout out to our amazing Year 6 children. They have worked incredibly hard throughout the year, demonstrating focus and resilience. We are already immensely proud of everything they have achieved and wish them every success in their tests this week. To help the children start their days with the best possible energy, we are offering a free breakfast each morning of the tests from 8:15 am. We look forward to seeing the children there for some brain fuel and a calm start to the day. 

Due to recent feedback through the Parent Council regarding the quality of individual, sibling and class photos, we have made the decision to try a new school photographer, 'Say Cheese Please'. Class photos for Nursery, Reception Year 1 and Year 2 will be taken on Friday 15th May with Year 3 to Year 6 class photos taking place on Monday 18th May. We will also use the same company for the individual and sibling photos in the next academic year. Further details about the company can be found here. 

We are excited to confirm that Grazebrook’s KS1 and KS2 Sports Day 2026 will take place on Tuesday, 16th June from 10am. We will be returning to the Finsbury Park Athletics Track for a day of collaboration and community spirit. Children in Years 1–6 will take part in track and field events throughout the morning, followed by a picnic lunch and relay races in the afternoon. The children will compete in their house colours which can be found on the posters on display in your child's classroom window. Further details of this event can be found in the letter which was sent home with your child today. Please ensure you complete and return the slip at the bottom of the letter to inform us about collection of your child, whether they require a packed lunch and if you are available to walk with us to the park on the day. 

Nursery and Reception will once again have their own separate sports days. These will take place in the dog free area of Clissold Park and will both include a family picnic once all the sporting events have finished. Reception's Sports Day is on Tuesday 23rd June and Nursery's Sports Day is on Wednesday 24th June. Letters with further details will be sent home before the half term. 

Next half term, our PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) focus will be 'Safety and the Changing Body,' which is a core part of our Relationships Education. We understand parents may have questions regarding the curriculum and the materials used. We will therefore be holding Parent Information Sessions the week after half term. A detailed letter containing session times and further information will be shared at the start of next week.

Finally, for those of you who have been using our Citizen's Advice Service at Grazebrook, these sessions have moved from Thursdays to Mondays. If you would like to find out more or book a session, please speak with Pam Sealy at the school reception. 

At Grazebrook, we believe that Religious Education (RE) is much more than just learning facts; it’s about opening windows into the lives, values, and traditions of people in our local community and the wider world. We want our pupils to grow into curious, respectful, and well-rounded citizens who understand the diverse tapestry of beliefs that shape our society. 

Throughout their time with us, children embark on a journey through the stories, celebrations and significant rites of passage of several major world religions, including: Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Hinduism and Buddhism. In addition to these faith traditions, we explore Humanism and other non-religious viewpoints. This allows children to make meaningful comparisons, find common ground and appreciate the different ways people find meaning in their lives. The children visit places of worship as an integral part of the curriculum. 

We also believe that there is no better way to learn than from people who live these traditions every day. As such, we warmly welcome parents and family members into school to share their heritage and customs with us. This might include: reading a traditional story to a class; teaching a song or a dance; demonstrating a craft or showing items used in home worship or talking about a festival your family celebrates. If you would like to get involved, please speak to your child’s class teacher or contact the school office.

Our Year 1's ventured out into our local area to explore the New River and the East and West Reservoirs. They conducted fieldwork to identify physical and human features as well as explore the living things within the habitats they visited. 

Earlier this term, Year 4 had an amazing time watching and listening to the BBC Symphony Orchestra at The Hackney Empire. The children were taken on a classical musical journey through time to experience the power of live orchestral music. With an expert conductor and an energetic presenter the children explored how music can carry us back through history and also speak to our experiences today. 

This year, we have seen a rise in the number of children's attendance less than 95% and therefore would like to remind you that requests for term time leave for holidays or visiting family abroad cannot be authorised unless in very exceptional circumstances. Hackney Education will be informed and fines will also be issued for extended absences. 90% attendance is equal to your child missing half a day of learning and time with their peers each week which over time may impact on their confidence and relationships with peers as well as their learning. Please continue to support your child by avoiding term-time absence wherever possible. Thank you!